Podcast
This Week in Comedy
Hosted by The Rubber Chicken · EN
This Week in Comedy is a weekly podcast dedicated to tracking, celebrating and lightly skewering the Australian comedy scene as it unfolds in real time. Hosted by Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan, the show sits at the intersection of comedy culture, industry insight and sharp-witted conversation. It’s designed for comedians, comedy writers and producers, promoters, fans and anyone curious about how jokes, festivals and funny people actually function behind the scenes.
Key Sponsor:
Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27episodes
Episodes
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Episode 15: MICF is here, Wilbur Wilde and Sammy J for PM
Mar 1800:45:08Tap to summarizeEpisode 15 of This Week in Comedy sees Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes in lively, free-flowing form as they juggle industry insights, festival hype and plenty of offbeat humour.With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival just days away, the hosts lean into the growing excitement around its 40th anniversary. They spotlight a mix of shows and talent set to take over the city, while also previewing the Business of Comedy Conference, running April 16–18. Framed as a must-attend for performers and industry professionals alike, the conference represents the more strategic side of comedy, where creativity meets economics.A highlight of the episode is Morry’s interview with Wilbur Wilde, a veteran of Australian entertainment whose career spans decades. Wilde brings a unique perspective on the intersection of music and comedy, reflecting on the evolution of live performance and the enduring importance of laughter. His upcoming appearance at the conference, speaking on the “laughter economy”, reinforces the idea that comedy is not just an art form, but a serious contributor to culture and business.The episode also tips its hat to Sammy J, with the hosts praising his sharp political humour and jokingly suggesting he could be a future prime minister. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the show’s tone: insightful, but never taking itself too seriously.In between the bigger topics, the hosts go on tangents that range from behind-the-scenes TV set chatter to absurd personal anecdotes. One standout segment is the beer review, where they sample the Hargreaves Hill Dortmund Lager. The verdict is positive, with particular appreciation for the classic 375 ml can size, which the pair should be written into law.Links:Hargreaves Hills Dortmund Lager: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference session featuring Wilbur Wilde: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 14: Baby Reindeer, Peggy and Molly plus Sydney Comedy
Mar 1300:31:05Tap to summarizeEpisode 14 of This Week in Comedy features hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes diving into the latest stories, gossip, and oddities from the comedy world with their usual mix of banter and industry insight. The episode opens with playful tension between the pair, joking about astrology, personality traits, and who should really be welcoming whom back to the studio.The conversation quickly shifts to major developments in the Australian comedy scene, beginning with the announcement of the Sydney Comedy Festival’s biggest program yet, boasting more than 400 shows. Morry and Lily highlight several headline acts, including international star Tiffany Haddish and Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd. While Lily admits she wasn’t completely sold on the Netflix hit, the hosts agree that Gadd’s notoriety alone is likely to draw curious audiences. The discussion becomes a broader reflection on how television success can revive a comedian’s stand-up career.They also spotlight family connections in comedy, sharing examples of comedians performing alongside relatives. One standout pairing is Australian comedy icon Pete Rowsthorn performing with his daughter Frankie in their show Smooth and Wrinkly. Morry and Lily reflect on other family acts in comedy, including Marty Fields continuing the legacy of his father, the late Maurie Fields, and Doug Chappel working alongside his son Tyson Chappel. The segment celebrates how comedy can span generations while still evolving with new voices.The beer of choice for this episode is the Mouth of Melbourne, brewed in South Melbourne at Brewmanity. Morry highlights that this is one of his favourite beers, and Lily recommends the audience check out Brewmanity's rooftop deck and fried pickles!International comedy also gets attention when the hosts discuss David Cross releasing his ninth stand-up special, The End of the Beginning of the End, on YouTube. Known for his work on Arrested Development, Cross’s irreverent style sparks debate between Morry and Lily about different comedic approaches and the shifting landscape of streaming specials.Later in the episode, Morry interviews animation producer Ken Cantrell, who is speaking at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. Cantrell discusses two projects, Snick and Willow and the developing animated series Peggy and Molly. With performers like Lawrence Mooney, Ross Noble, and Bev Killick attached, the project highlights the crossover between stand-up and animation.The episode wraps with lighter segments, including a quirky historical fact about the first alarm clock and a “funny in the moment” story from Morry involving two strangers dressed like 1950s detectives at a Melbourne petrol station. As always, Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes balance industry insight with playful storytelling, giving listeners a lively snapshot of what’s happening across the comedy world.Links:Sydney Comedy Festival: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with Ken Cantrill: Click hereMouth of Melbourne by Brewmanity: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 13: Lizard Jim Carrey and The Chaser's Delmenico
Mar 500:36:00Tap to summarizeEpisode 13 of This Week in Comedy finds hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan powering through a lingering lurgy. From there, they dive into the week’s comedy-adjacent headlines with their trademark mix of pop culture, Australian references, and gentle conspiracy dabbling.First up is Jim Carrey’s rare public appearance at the César Awards in Paris, which sparked online chaos: plastic surgery, alien theories, “reptilian” conspiracy, and a viral post from drag makeup artist Alexis Stone claiming to be Carrey. They land on the simplest explanation: work done. But hey! They could be wrong.The mood lifts with genuinely good news: Australian comedy icon Magda Szubanski announces she’s in remission from stage four mantle cell lymphoma. The hosts celebrate her legacy, from Fast Forward characters Michelle and Ferret to netballer Sharon Strzelecki and her role in Babe, calling her a national treasure.They then circle back to the radio drama between Kyle and Jackie O. With ARN issuing Kyle Sandilands a serious misconduct notice and a 14-day window to remedy the breach, the hosts debate whether that's the end of this comedy duo...and maybe an opportunity for fresh new voices (Hint, hint ARN!). A lighter sidebar follows, with Morry revealing that “Rove McManus” is actually John Henry Michael McManus. We suppose it gets him through customs faster.A comedy history segment ticks through milestones: Spike Milligan’s death (and his “I told you I was ill” gravestone), Gilbert Gottfried’s birth and voice work, Dr. Seuss trivia, Moonlighting’s premiere, and John Candy’s untimely death.Beer of the week is Wolf of the Willows’ Chopper West Coast IPA, praised for its bitter finish—then the episode pivots to Morry’s interview with John Delmenico, editor of The Chaser. Delmenico previews his upcoming Business of Comedy Conference panel alongside The Onion’s Scott Dikkers and Silicon Valley writer Andrew J. Nash, arguing satire has always shadowed democracy, shaping how audiences see politicians and power.The episode closes with oddball facts (Frisbee ashes memorial discs) and darkly relatable parenting jokes, before another plug for the Business of Comedy Conference in April.Links:The Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with John Delmenico: Click hereChopper West Coast IPA: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 12: Radio tiffs, Seinfeld riffs and comedy conference
Feb 2500:29:26Tap to summarizeEpisode 12 of This Week in Comedy delivers a lively mix of industry gossip, comedy nostalgia, craft insights, and the usual offbeat banter. The episode opens with weekend reflections, including a rainy but memorable boat cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra River with a lineup of Australian comedy personalities. Among those on board were Elliot Goblet (Jack Levi), Trevor Marmalade, Wilbur Wilde, Luke McGregor’s family, and David “Hughesy” Hughes. Despite the drizzle, Melbourne’s skyline stole the show, providing a cinematic backdrop and reinforcing the sense of community within the comedy scene.The conversation then shifts to radio drama surrounding Kyle and Jackie O, currently under pressure in the Melbourne market despite their enormous $200 million, 10-year contract. An on-air clash saw Kyle criticise Jackie’s contribution to the show, prompting her to walk off mid-broadcast. The hosts explore whether the blow-up reflects genuine tension or a strategic stunt designed to generate headlines and boost ratings.Attention turns to the BAFTAs, where Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The team unpacks the broader context, noting the ceremony was pre-recorded and selectively edited, raising questions about production decisions and public reaction, while also clarifying misconceptions about Tourette’s.Comedy history features throughout, including anniversaries of Comedy Inc., The Simpsons reaching its 500th episode, and the passing of Richard Belzer, best known for Law & Order: SVU but originally a stand-up comedian. There’s also nostalgic discussion of early 2000s sketch television and long-running shows like The Bill.The “Beer of the Week” segment reviews a 6% Venom IPA in a smaller-than-standard 330ml can, sparking a humorous investigation into shrinkflation and Australia’s alcohol tax system.A major highlight of Episode 12 is the conversation with Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild, speakers at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. They share practical insights into producing, directing, shooting and editing comedy films, emphasising collaboration, improvisation and strong on-set energy.And the episode wraps up with another “Funny in the Moment” at Bunnings.Links:The Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with Stig Weymyss and Anthony Littlechild: Click hereVenom IPA beer: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 11: Pringles, school uniforms and Will Arnett
Feb 2000:33:07Tap to summarizeEpisode 11 of This Week in Comedy kicks off with a quick housekeeping correction. Lily and Morry apologise for mistakenly saying comedian Eloise Eftos was from Adelaide when she was actually born in Perth.In comedy news, the hosts discuss Celeste Barber and her partner Apy Robin (often dubbed “Hot Husband”) separating after 20 years. The tone stays light and speculative as they reflect on Celeste’s evolution from Instagram parody posts to a broader comedy personality, while also joking about modern weight-loss culture and Ozempic. Next up is Jim Jefferies, who has announced his biggest Australian tour to date. The hosts praise his international rise, particularly in the UK and US, and note how unusually well Australia has embraced his success without much tall-poppy backlash, even if some audiences have taken time warming to his edgier material.Lily then brings up Heathers: The Musical, describing its dark-comedy high school vibe and noting a TikTok-driven resurgence that’s expected to draw both comedy and theatre crowds. A quick aside follows on Ben Bankas, whose controversial joke about a recent homicide caused a venue cancellation, only for the show to move elsewhere and sell out, sparking a broader chat about venues, safety, and free speech.Comedy history highlights include the deaths of sketch pioneer Sid Caesar (2014) and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz (2000), plus anniversaries for Wayne’s World (1992) and The Chaser’s War on Everything (2006).Beer of the week is “Herb Your Enthusiasm”, a raspberry and rosemary sour from Slow Lane Brewing, which they gleefully describe as oddly gin-like. That leads into a Pringles fact: inventor Fredric J. Baur requested some of his ashes be buried in a Pringles can.The episode’s centrepiece is an interview with Peter Josip, winner of Raw Comedy 2025, who explains the prize trip to Edinburgh to compete in 'So You Think You’re Funny?' Pete even made the final, rare for Australian Raw winners, then performed at the Cyprus International Comedy Festival, and spent months gigging hard in Toronto, landing an agent and spots at clubs like Yuk Yuk’s. Back in Melbourne, he’s slated for Comedy Zone at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.They wrap with a “Funny in the Moment” story about a son’s school uniform, and a review of Is This Thing On?—praised as a relationship film, but criticised as an unrealistic stand-up movie.Links:Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click hereWill Arnett's 'Is This Thing On?' trainer: Click hereRead more about Peter Josip's Melbourne Comedy Festival Raw Comedy win: Click hereHerb Your Enthusiasm beer: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 10: Airplane vs Flying High, comedy timing and Tasmania
Feb 1100:41:59Tap to summarizeEpisode 10 kicks off back in Melbourne, celebrating a milestone: double digits. The “seven-episode glass ceiling” has been shattered and the duo are officially big kids now, complete with a tangent about pull-ups, bladder control, and the tragically named “Poise” range. Lily even has a joke charting “light, intermediate, heavy” leakage levels, because nothing says showbiz like sneezing statistics.Morry and Lily then settle into the South Melbourne studio, happy to escape Sydney’s humidity and the constant roar of planes over Newtown. A quick (and slightly too cheeky) 9/11 reference lands, with the question 'too soon?'.Comedy news begins with Adam Sandler receiving the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Modern Master Award for his influence across stand-up, film, and TV. Morry admits Sandler can be a bit slapstick for his taste, but gives a nod to Happy Gilmore. Lily, representing the millennials, rides hard for Big Daddy and Little Nicky, quoting lines and praising Sandler’s underrated serious chops in Click and Uncut Gems.Next up, Jim Jefferies, who drops in as a surprise set at Melbourne’s Comics Lounge. Morry explains Jefferies’ real name and the extra “e” he added to satisfy a US union rule requiring unique stage names. Shoutout to host Doug Chappell, cruise-photo icon and future podcast guest.Then it gets darker: US comedian Ben Bankas has six sold-out Minnesota shows cancelled after a controversial joke following a fatal ICE-related shooting. The venue cites threats and safety concerns, sparking a discussion about timing, risk, and when “too soon” becomes “never.”More screens: Will Arnett’s film Is This Thing On?, directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, hits Australian cinemas February 5. Morry reveals he made a comedy series with the same title years earlier, nearly picked up by the ABC before leadership changes killed it.Beer time: Barossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout (7%, 2.1 standard drinks) tastes like dessert—sweet, gluggy, and dangerously drinkable.Finally, comedy history: Leslie Nielsen would be 100 today (born February 11, 1926). They toast him, debate titles (Airplane! was Flying High in Australia), and wrap with a teaser interview featuring Tasmanian comedian “Red Ned” Townsend and Lars Calio’s 900,000km Volkswagen Jetta.Links:Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click hereBarossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout: Click hereHobart Festival of Comedy: Click hereRed Ned Townsend Instagram: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 9: Sydney comedy with Tommy and Stella
Feb 500:32:44Tap to summarizeEpisode 9 of This Week in Comedy finds the hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan broadcasting from a makeshift studio in an Airbnb in Newtown, Sydney, swapping their usual setup for a lively, on-the-road energy. Newtown itself becomes an early talking point, described as Sydney’s alternative, youthful, and proudly LGBTQIA+ hub, a Brunswick-meets-St Kilda hybrid with graffiti, share houses, and strong opinions everywhere you turn.The episode kicks off with reflections on the road trip up from Victoria, including a surprise koala encounter near Shepparton and observations about regional Australia’s growing multiculturalism. From there, the show shifts into comedy news, led by a discussion of Matt Rife’s recent Australian tour and ongoing controversies. The hosts unpack his “rage-bait” persona, tongue-in-cheek apologies, and commercial savvy, noting how controversy, engagement, and branding increasingly go hand-in-hand in modern comedy.A major focus of the episode is the return of Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School to Sydney for the first time in five years. Recording from Newtown is no coincidence, with the course running at the Newtown Hotel’s Laugh Inn. The hosts highlight the importance of live comedy education post-COVID and the value of rebuilding local scenes.The episode features an in-depth interview with veteran comedian Tommy Dean, who reflects on decades in Australian comedy. Tommy offers thoughtful insights into how the industry has changed, particularly the impact of social media, fast news cycles, and the pressure on younger comics to chase topical jokes and crowd work. He strongly advocates for solid joke writing, personal storytelling, and being paid properly for gigs — dismantling the myth of “exposure” work along the way.Later, rising Sydney comic Stella Wu joins the show, fresh from strong festival sets and her Comedy Zone 2026 announcement. She talks about her rapid career momentum, her show Asian Baby Girl, and the surreal realities of joke-writing, family expectations, and creative chaos.The episode wraps with reflections on Australia’s comedy pipeline, the importance of developing mid-career comics, and a relaxed beer-fuelled sign-off — capturing the spirit of a podcast deeply embedded in the comedy scene, both onstage and behind the scenes.Links:Raw Comedy entry: Click hereGrifter Pale Ale by the Grifter Brewing Co: Click hereSydney Comedy Festival: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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